With Tropical Storm Zeta expected to strengthen to a hurricane before striking the Gulf Coast, truck fleet operators are encouraged to take steps now to brace for the storm's impact.

Penske has tips and resources available to help you prepare for a hurricane and guidance on where to go in the event you need assistance after the storm.

Weather experts anticipate Zeta will make landfall on Wednesday along the Louisiana Coast, making it the fifth named-storm – following Cristobal, Laura, Marco and Delta – to strike the state, tying a record set by Florida in 2005 for the most landfalls for a state in one season.

Hurricanes, which form over the water and move inland, may cause high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, rip currents, tornadoes and flooding.

The Atlantic hurricane season usually sees six hurricanes and 12 named storms on average. When it makes landfall in the U.S, Zeta will become the season's 11^th hurricane. Zeta broke the record for the earliest date for a 27^th named storm of the season. The prior record was Nov. 29, 2005.

This year's Atlantic hurricane season, which ends on Monday, Nov. 30, is nearing record territory. The number of named storms is approaching the all-time record for one season set in 2005 when 28 storms were recorded.

Hurricane Preparation

Authorities encourage residents and business owners to take steps to prepare in the event hurricanes and tropical storms impact your area.

The Department of Homeland Security, through its Ready national public service campaign, has assembled some hurricane preparedness tips for every stage of the storm. Resources include evacuation tips, what to include in a disaster supply kit and how to create a family communication plan.

Tips for Penske Consumers and Business Customers

Penske offers the following advice to consumers and business customers on what to do before a storm arrives:

• Make safety your number one priority.
• Top off truck fuel tanks.
• Move trucks to higher ground if in a flood-prone area.
• Stay tuned to local news stations for weather reports.
• Adhere to all travel, road advisories and restrictions.
• Delay travel into impacted areas when possible.
• Know your evacuation routes and have a plan.
• Seal and lock all fuel tank tops.
• Secure outdoor items and clear debris that could become a projectile
• Charge all mobile phone battery packs and ensure you have charging cables.
• Put mobile devices on low-power mode to conserve battery.
• Ensure you have employee contact information and a post-storm follow-up plan to verify the status of each employee.
• Important: If you suspect your vehicle may have been flooded, do not start the vehicle. Starting the vehicle may cause significant damage to the emission control system. Contact your local Penske service location or 24/7 Roadside Assistance for guidance.

Important Penske Information

Contact us if you need assistance with your lease or rental units before or after the storm:

• Penske Location and Fuel Finder Tool
• 24/7 Roadside Assistance: 1-800-526-0798
• Consumer Truck Rental Reservations: 1-888-996-5415
• Commercial Truck Rental Reservations: 1-800-736-7531

Penske Facilities Questions

Penske takes steps to ensure continued service, but there are times when delays and closures may be necessary due to travel restrictions, weather conditions, power outages or a state of emergency.

Please call our 24/7 Roadside Assistance team at 1-800-526-0798 to confirm the open or closed status of a Penske facility.

• U.S. DOT National Traffic and Road Closures and Advisories by State
• Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA)
• FEMA Blog – Emergency Updates and Preparedness
• National Hurricane Center Storm Updates
• American Red Cross Hurricane Tips

By "Move Ahead" Staff